Substitute Mikel Merino's late strike condemned Belgium to a 2-1 defeat as Spain advanced to the World Cup semi-finals, setting up a high-profile clash with France in Dallas. Fabian Ruiz had opened the scoring, Charles De Ketelaere equalized, and an injudicious save by Senne Lammens allowed Merino to seal a dramatic comeback for the European champions.
Spain 2-1 Belgium — Merino winner sends La Roja into World Cup semi-final
Spain reached the World Cup semi-finals with a nervy 2-1 victory over Belgium, overcoming a resilient opponent thanks to a late intervention from Mikel Merino.
Fabian Ruiz put Spain ahead in the first half, Charles De Ketelaere headed Belgium level, and Merino — introduced late — capitalised on a spilled save to clinch the win. Spain will face France in Dallas on Tuesday.
How the game unfolded
Fabian Ruiz broke the deadlock in the 30th minute, finishing from the rebound after Dani Olmo’s initial effort was parried by Thibaut Courtois. Spain dominated possession but struggled to convert control into clear-cut chances.
Belgium responded before halftime when Charles De Ketelaere rose to meet Timothy Castagne’s cross and powerfully headed past Unai Simón, cancelling out Spain’s lead and giving Belgium momentum heading into the break.
Courtois, imperious early on with several critical saves, was forced off midway through the second half and replaced by Senne Lammens. Minutes after Merino was introduced, Pau Cubarsi’s low shot forced Lammens into a mishap; Merino pounced to curl home the decisive rebound.
Key performances
Mikel Merino: A late-game substitute whose alertness and technical composure produced the match-winner and underscored Spain’s bench strength.
Fabian Ruiz: Comfortable on the ball and clinical in the moment that mattered, Ruiz set Spain on course with a composed finish.
Charles De Ketelaere: Provided Belgium’s best moments in attack, showing aerial threat and timing to pull his side level.
Thibaut Courtois and Senne Lammens: Courtois’ early saves kept Belgium in the fight, but his enforced exit shifted the goalkeeper dynamic; Lammens’ handling error proved costly.
Unai Simón: Solid between the sticks for Spain, made routine stops and commanded the area when required.
Tactical takeaways and significance
Spain’s control of possession translated into territorial dominance but not consistent chance quality until the finish; the victory highlighted La Roja’s patience and ability to manufacture late solutions. The decision to introduce Merino late was decisive — a reminder that elite tournaments are often won by bench impact as much as starting XI performance.
Belgium showed fight and opportunism on the break, but the loss exposes questions about finishing and the impact of an injured goalkeeper. Losing Courtois was a psychological and practical blow; his presence earlier had masked some defensive frailties.
This result confirms Spain as a tactical, possession-oriented powerhouse with the depth to sway tight matches. For Belgium, the narrow exit will prompt a tactical review ahead of an upcoming transition period.
What comes next
Spain advances to face France in the semi-final in Dallas on Tuesday, a marquee matchup that will test Spain’s midfield artistry against France’s power and finishing.
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